The best criminal defense attorneys must possess many important traits. Here we’ll look at 15 traits that separate good DUI lawyers from the best DUI lawyers who defend Criminal and DUI charges in Gilbert Arizona:

1. Experience, Experience, Experience. You want to know how much experience the DUI Lawyer handling your case has; not the law firm “accumulatively”. The “accumulation” won’t be defending you. In most cases it will be one individual lawyer;

“The cost of a felony DUI conviction, and it’s consequences in Arizona is far greater than the price of hiring a good Arizona DUI defense lawyer”
If you were charged and/or arrested for felony DUI charges in Maricopa County, AZ you should contact an Arizona DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. A felony DUI conviction in Arizona will expose you to severe penalties. You will need a strong Arizona DUI defense attorney to defend your Felony DUI charges if you wish to challenge your DUI charges.

Felony DUI Charges – Arizona Laws:
There are three aggravating factors that will cause an Arizona Misdemeanor DUI to escalate to a Felony DUI charge. “Felony DUI” charges are also called “Aggravated DUI” charges:

1) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (1): (Paraphrased) DUI charge while driving on a suspended, restricted or revoked driver’s license in Maricopa County- Class 3 Felony
2) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (2): (Paraphrased) Third DUI charge within 7 years and you have two prior DUI convictions that occurred during the last 7 years. – Class 3 felony.

3) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (3): (Paraphrased) you were charged with DUI DWI and a child under 15 years of age was a passenger in the vehicle you were driving – Class 6 FelonyDUI Penalties – Arizona Felony DUI Sentencing Guidelines

Felony DUI charges and convictions in Arizona are serious. Felony DUI convictions are subject to mandatory DUI sentencing guidelines. Mandatory DUI penalties under Arizona Law include the following:

• Jail Sentences ranging from 1 day to 1 year;
• Prison Sentences ranging from 4 months to 2 ½ years;
• Revocation of your drivers license for 3 years;
• Ignition Interlock Device;
• Fines of Up to $150,000 plus 80% surcharge;
• $1500 prison assessment;
• $250 abatement fees;
• Probation fees;
• Costs for Drug or Alcohol Treatment Screening;
• Costs for Drug or Alcohol Counseling or Treatment Program;
• Supervised probation;
• Felony Criminal Record
Sentencing for a Felony DUI conviction in Arizona may be have “aggravated” or “mitigated”. Aggravated factors are those that support the prosecution and warrant more serious DUI penalties. Mitigating factors are those circumstances that favor your defense and may help reduce the harsh penalties.

Arizona DUI Lawyer – Felony DUI Defense Lawyers in Arizona

Without compelling arguments presented or motions filed by your DUI Defense Lawyer, the judge or prosecution will not offer you a mitigated (less harsh) sentence. An experienced Arizona DUI Attorney will know what evidence can be used to argue for mitigated sentencing and reduced sentencing on your behalf for a felony DUI conviction.

Any Arizona Felony DUI charge can be challenged, regardless of the classification. Proven AZ DUI lawyers are often able to get evidence dismissed; charges reduced, or ultimately get the felony DUI charges completely dismissed. But rarely if ever does this happen without qualified legal representation and defense from a proven private practice AZ DUI Attorney or Criminal Defense Lawyer in Maricopa County. Early retention of a good Arizona DUI lawyer or criminal defense attorney is the key to a successful defense.

AZ DUI Law, Felony DUI Penalties
“The cost of a felony DUI conviction and it’s consequences in Maricopa County is far greater than the price of hiring a good Maricopa County DUI defense lawyer”
If you were charged and/or arrested for felony DUI charges in Maricopa County, AZ you should contact a Maricopa County DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. A felony DUI conviction in Maricopa County will expose you to severe penalties. You will need a strong Maricopa County DUI defense attorney to defend your Felony DUI charges if you wish to challenge your DUI charges.

Felony DUI Charges – Arizona Laws:
There are three aggravating factors that will cause a Maricopa County Misdemeanor DUI to escalate to a Felony DUI charge. “Felony DUI” charges are also known as “Aggravated DUI charges”:
1) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (1): (Paraphrased) DUI charge while driving on a suspended, restricted or revoked driver’s license in Maricopa County- Class 3 Felony
2) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (2): (Paraphrased) You received new DUI charges. They are your third DUI charges in 7 years, and you have been convicted of two prior DUI charges during the last 7 years. – Class 3 felony
3) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (3): (Paraphrased) you were charged with DUI DWI and a child under 15 years of age was a passenger in the vehicle you were driving – Class 6 FelonyDUI Penalties – Felony DUI Sentencing Guidelines in Arizona
Felony DUI convictions in Maricopa County are serious. Felony DUI convictions are subject to mandatory DUI sentencing guidelines. Mandatory DUI penalties under Arizona Law include, but are not limited to the following:

Maricopa County DUI Lawyer – Felony DUI Defense
Without compelling arguments presented or motions filed by your DUI Defense Lawyer, the judge or prosecution will not generally offer mitigated sentencing. An experienced Maricopa County DUI Attorney will know what to look for and find evidence needed to argue for mitigated sentencing and reduced sentencing on your behalf.

Any Maricopa County Felony DUI charge can be challenged, regardless of the classification. Proven Maricopa County DUI lawyers are often able to get evidence dismissed; charges reduced, or ultimately get the felony DUI completely dismissed. But rarely if ever does this happen without qualified legal representation and defense from a proven private practice AZ DUI Attorney or Criminal Defense Lawyer in Maricopa County.

Don’t Plead “Guilty” to DUI or Criminal Charges before Consulting a Good DUI DWI Attorney who defend Gilbert AZ DUI chargesGilbert AZ Criminal & DUI Defense for Your Arraignment
One of the main purposes of your Arraignment date is to inform the court of how you wish to “plea”. It is never a good idea to plead “guilty” to any crime or DUI at your arraignment, before consulting a DUI or criminal defense attorney, but especially not in Arizona. Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws and most severe DUI DWI Drunk Driving penalties in the country if convicted. A good DUI attorney will defend you, and may be able to use certain defenses that you were not aware of which could lead to a reduction or dismissal of your DUI charges.

Your Arraignment Location
For criminal DUI charges in Gilbert, you will be given a complaint (if in custody) or summons (if not in custody). This document will include information concerning location, date and time you are required to appear for your next court date. The court location you will be required to appear is based on the nature of the charges, and jurisdiction where you were charged. Most felonies are heard in Superior Court. Most misdemeanors are held in Justice Courts. However, some felonies can initially begin in a lower court such as justice court.

Criminal or DUI Arraignment in Gilbert Court
The court date that appears on your complaint is called your “Arraignment Date”. If you have not retained a DUI defense lawyer you must appear as the scheduled date and time. If you fail to appear or even in some cases, if you are late, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest A.R.S. 13-2506 & A.R.S. 13-2507. If you have retained legal defense your DUI defense lawyer will give you further instructions. In many cases your defense attorney can vacate the first court date, through alternative legal channels so you do not have to appear in person.

What to Expect at Your DUI Arraignment in Gilbert Court
On your arraignment date, you will inform the court of how you wish to plea. In addition, the Judge and Court will confirm your current identity and contact information; explain your rights; read formal charges against you; advise you of the range of potential sentencing if convicted; and find out if you plan to retain an attorney to defend you for your Gilbert misdemeanor or felony DUI or criminal charge(s).

Pleas that can be entered at a criminal or DUI Arraignment
There are three possible pleas to a criminal charge and listed in brief below:
“Not Guilty” – This means that you are denying guilt and the burden of proof is with the state of AZ to prove guilt of the DUI or criminal charge against you. In the Gilbert Court, the state is represented by the Gilbert prosecutor’s office. If you enter a plea of not guilty on your arraignment date, the Judge will set your case for either a pre-trial conference or a formal trial date.

“Guilty” – You admit that you committed the act charged in the complaint(s), that the act is prohibited by law and that you have no legal defense for your act. For Misdemeanor charges, the Gilbert AZ Court judge will proceed with your sentencing at that time. For felonies, the judge will schedule a future court date for sentencing.
“No Contest” – This you do not admit guilt but that you also do not wish to challenge the charges or evidence at a trial and will accept the conviction, sentencing and punishments of the charge (without admitting guilt). The judge will proceed with your sentencing at this time.

An experienced Gilbert DUI lawyer put themselves between you and the Gilbert prosecution as a barrier to protect you for unintended self-incrimination; to make sure your are treated fairly; your rights are not violated; guide you through the Arizona criminal justice process; tailor and build a solid and effective defense on your behalf; look for other weaknesses in the prosecution’s case; and make every effort to get Gilbert Charges dismissed, reduced, or the otherwise best outcome in your case.
*All Federal Laws, Arizona Laws, and Criminal Court Procedures are subject to change. You should contact an Arizona DUI lawyer for current information concerning DUI or criminal matters.

AZ DUI Law & Felony DUI Penalties
“The cost of retaining a good Gilbert DUI defense lawyer is far less a price, than fines, fees, costs, and your freedom, if convicted of Gilbert felony DUI Charges”
If you were arrested for felony DUI charges in Gilbert, AZ you should contact a Gilbert DUI lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and defense options. A felony DUI conviction in Gilbert exposes you to severe penalties. You will need a qualified Gilbert DUI attorney to defend your Felony DUI charges.

Felony DUI – Arizona Law:
There are three factors that will aggravate a Gilbert Misdemeanor DUI resulting in escalation of the Misdemeanor DUI to a Felony DUI. “Felony DUI” charges are also known as “Aggravated DUI charges”:

1) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (1): (Paraphrased) You were arrested for DUI while your drivers license was suspended, restricted or revoked – Class 3 Felony
2) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (2): (Paraphrased) The current DUI charge is your third DUI in 7 years and at least two of the prior DUI charges resulted in convictions during the last 7 years. – Class 3 felony
3) A.R.S. §28-1383(A) (3): (Paraphrased) You were charged with DUI DWI while driving with a child under 15 years of age was a passenger in the vehicle – Class 6 FelonyDUI Penalties – Felony DUI Sentencing in Arizona
A Felony DUI conviction for Gilbert DUI charges exposes you to mandatory AZ DUI sentencing guidelines. The mandatory DUI penalties under Arizona Law include, but are not limited to the following:

Gilbert DUI Lawyer – Felony DUI Defense Gilbert AZ
Without compelling arguments presented or motions filed by your DUI Defense Lawyer, the judge or prosecution will not generally offer mitigated sentencing. Experienced Gilbert DUI Defense Attorneys lawyers know what to look for and obtain evidence needed to argue for mitigating sentencing if you are convicted of a felony DUI charge.

Some Defendants do not realize that a Felony DUI charges is not a conviction. They think since they were arrested, they must be guilty. A qualified Gilbert DUI lawyer or AZ criminal defense lawyer will encourage you to avoid that mind set. Any Gilbert Felony DUI charge can be challenged, regardless of their classification. Good Gilbert DUI lawyers are often able to get evidence dismissed; charges reduced to a Misdemeanor DUI, civil citation, or ultimately get the felony DUI charges dismissed completely.

Arizona’s adopted “Mandatory Sentencing” guidelines for serious felonies. Here’s how the best AZ criminal defense lawyers may still be able to get your felony charges partially or completely dismissed. In alternative they may be able to fight for a reduction in charges to a “Standard Felony” or even a misdemeanor. This reduction in charges could mean you would avoid prison; thus allowing you to be eligible for probation instead.

Gilbert AZ Felony Charges
If you face AZ felony charges in Gilbert AZ. you should hire the best Gilbert criminal defense lawyer possible to defend you. A criminal charge is far from a conviction. You are not convicted unless you are proven to be guilty The law allows for you to be entitled to a defense. Use it. Your best chance at a good outcome is to use a private practice AZ criminal defense attorney who defends Gilbert felonies on a regular basis.

“Mandatory Sentencing” Penalties | AZ Felony Convictions
Arizona State Law is harsh on felony convictions. Most people have too much to lose to accept a conviction. This is particularly the case if a serious felony conviction subject to Arizona’s “Mandatory Sentencing Laws”. Such felony conviction penalties under “Mandatory Sentencing Laws” make you ineligible for probation. If convicted, you will be exposed to long prison terms, even for life, within a certain range for the crime; exorbitant fines; probation with interlock monitoring device (ankle bracelets); and a felony criminal record that will following with adverse impacts on your life for many years. The Arizona judge also has authority to order more severe punishments depending on the circumstances surrounding the felony charges.

Types of Felonies Subject to AZ “Mandatory Sentencing Laws”
In Arizona, serious felony charges are subject to Arizona’s Mandatory Sentencing Laws referred to under A.R.S. 13-601 and A.R.S. 13-701. These charges including, but are not limited to the following:
1) Dangerous or violent crimes;
2) Sexual assault or other violent assault crimes;
3) Assault with use of a deadly weapon;
4) Assault and battery with a weapon;
5) Armed robbery
6) Repeat offenses;Defense Lawyers in Gilbert AZ for Felony Criminal Charges
It is crucial for you to hire the best criminal defense lawyer possible; preferably an experienced litigator, with a successful defense and trial record. There are two primary stages during the criminal justice process that top Gilbert Defense Lawyers use to achieve the best outcome of getting an acquittal, charges dismissed, or sentencing reduced.

1) The Defense Stage: Gathering Evidence; filing early procedure motions participating in pre-trial conferences and hearings, hiring experts; having DUI chemical evidence retested; deposing or interviewing witnesses including the police; challenging weak evidence; looking for reasons to get flawed evidence suppressed; deciding on a winning defense strategy based on the facts.

2) The Sentencing Stage: If there is no chance of getting the charges dismissed based on the strength of the prosecutions evidence, then your defense attorney will shift to the next stage which is sentencing. Your Gilbert criminal lawyer will present mitigating factors (facts that are in your favor), exculpatory evidence, and reasons why you deserve a lesser charge or reduced sentence.

DUI blood alcohol test results evidence can be challenged by your Gilbert DUI Attorney. In some cases, this can lead to a total dismissal of your Gilbert DUI chargesAZ DUI Law | Defending Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Test
If you were charged with a DUI in Gilbert AZ based upon your DUI blood testing results, you should contact a Gilbert DUI lawyer as soon as possible. In many cases, your DUI defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s blood evidence. This may lead to suppression of that evidence and total dismissal of your DUI charges.

Here are at least 10 reasons your Gilbert AZ DUI lawyer might use to challenge the prosecution’s evidence relating to your DUI blood test results:
1. Errors in the blood testing process occurred;
2. Police did not follow required protocol related to DUI blood alcohol testing, analysis, preservation, or transport;
3. The officer who conducted the blood test was did not have the credentials or proper training in phlebotomy and DUI blood testing;
4. The blood sample was retested by your DUI defense attorney and found to be largely different that the blood test results processed at the crime lab;
5. Due to improper labeling the blood sample belonged to someone else;
6. The blood sample container was not properly sealed for transport; for processing;
7. The expiration date of the DUI or Drug testing kit used by police had expired.
8. The DUI or drug blood testing kit used by police had been exposed to prolonged extreme Arizona heat due to improper storage.
9. The police had their blood sample processed at a local hospital. Most busy hospitals and medical facilities designed for medical testing and treatment for sick or injured patients s are usually not required to follow strict protocol for processing of criminal or DUI blood testing evidence.
10. The officer who conducted the test or arrested you for Gilbert DUI, refused or failed to give you a blood sample for your Gilbert DUI defense attorney. This is a violation of your constitutional rights.

Criminal Defense Attorneys – DUI in Gilbert AZ
When you consult a Gilbert DUI attorney to defend DUI charges, ask them if they intend to retest the blood sample. Good Gilbert DUI lawyers do this on every DUI defense case involving DUI blood testing results. Be sure to inquire who will be responsible for the blood retesting fees at defense retesting. The charge for this service is currently between $250.00 and $350.00. Many AZ DUI lawyers will factor the fee into your total defense cost. Some DUI attorneys in AZ take care of this cost as a courtesy. But if your DUI lawyer requires you to pay the fee on top of defense costs, it is well worth it, to pay to have it retested. Many AZ DUI charges have been dismissed because the tests were challenged successfully by a DUI defense firm. The best Gilbert criminal defense attorneys in AZ understand the importance of examining all the aspects of the DUI blood test results. If they find weaknesses or flaws in the prosecution’s blood sample evidence, your DUI lawyer will educate the court and prosecution, present compelling arguments, which may lead to a total dismissal of your Gilbert DUI charges.

A good AZ DUI lawyer may be able to challenge blood test results leading to suppression of evidence and a dismissal of your AZ DUI charges.

AZ DUI with Blood Test
If you were arrested for drunk driving in Arizona due to blood test evidence, you should you need to consult an Arizona DUI lawyer who is experienced at challenging blood test result evidence. The best AZ DUI defense lawyers often challenge the prosecutions blood test results taken by the AZ police and processed by their crime lab. In many cases your AZ DUI Attorney will detect flaws, errors, and defense issues regarding the blood test results. The police or personnel conducting the test may have failed to follow prescribed rules of testing, analysis, or preservation, storage, labeling of vials, transport or the processes for which the blood was drawn. Top Arizona DUI attorneys often recognize these violations. When that happens, it can become cause for your defense Attorney to challenge the blood test evidence. In many cases this weakness in the prosecution’s case and leads to suppression of the evidence, and dismissal of your Arizona drunk driving charges. .

Blood Tests for Arizona Drunk Driving
The police officer decides what type of test will be conducted. Options are 1) breathalyzer machine, test 2) blood draw or 3) urine sample.
If the police officer has been properly trained and experienced in proper blood draw procedures involving phlebotomy for criminal investigation such as drunk driving or DUI with drugs, the Arizona courts have upheld the legality and approve the admittance of this evidence. Many police department around the state and sent their officers to classes to become certified.

The police will usually give you a second sample for your defense. If they do not, you should ask them at the time of the blood draw to obtain a sample for you. Then your AZ DUI defense attorney can have the blood retested by an independent lab, while the police send the first sample to the crime lab.

Challenging the Blood Test Results in Arizona

Common reasons to challenge blood tests include but are not limited to the following:
• Flaws with the blood kit used: Sample outside of expiration date; kit was not stored at properly sealed, packed and inspected, stored and maintained at proper temperatures.
• The blood sample vials were improperly labeled, creating questions as to whose blood sample it was drawn from; unauthorized personal labeled the sample.
• Blood sample tainted due to improper or unapproved cleaning agents used by the medical facility or police to prepare your arm for the blood draw.
• Blood draw, analysis, preservation and transport failed to follow required protocol leading to questions as to its accuracy
• Improper preservation of vials or vials used beyond expiration dates. .
• The police sent their sample to the hospital. The busy hospital did not follow police protocol required for prosecution. Hospitals are governed by different entities with different governing rules. They are not required to follow protocol for criminal prosecutions which include rules for chain of custody, proper training and credentials for recognition of tainting due to improper cleaning chemicals, and other rules.
• Police denied your request to take a second sample for your defense attorney. This is a violation of your rights to obtain objective evidence for the sake of accuracy in your defense,
If one or more of these violations or errors exist, your AZ DUI lawyer will recognize it, educate the prosecution and court; present compelling arguments; and file motions in your defense and weaknesses in the State’s case against you. Top AZ DUI lawyers recognize what circumstances present the need to challenge blood results. In many cases this leads to suppression of the evidence on your behalf or a total dismissal of your AZ drunk driving charges.

The Best Criminal Attorney in Gilbert AZ is the One that is Best for You

There are many good criminal defense and DUI attorneys who can defend your criminal or DUI charges in Gilbert AZ. But the fact is, the very best one, is the one that is right for you. Sound simple? For the most part it is. And it will take some effort on your part. But in the long run it make just mean the difference of whether or not you get a conviction or a dismissal of your criminal or DUI charges. It applies to the old cliché “Sweat now, bleed less later.”

Below is a list of things you can do to help you find the best criminal defense attorney or DUI lawyer to defend your Gilbert AZ Charges:
• The internet. This may sound remedial. But some people do not realize they should hire an attorney licensed in criminal law in Arizona to defend their Arizona charges. Look for “criminal defense attorney” or “DUI defense Attorney” DUI or Criminal Defense law firms, and the like. Be sure to limit your search within the jurisdiction, city or county and state you received the criminal charges or where you were arrested. Then select a few Criminal and DUI attorneys.
• Review the Attorney’s Website in more detail. Limit your search to Arizona Attorneys who defend cases within Maricopa County, and often in Gilbert AZ Court. The Attorney you choose should be licensed to practice criminal law in the state of Arizona.
• Web Directories. There are literally hundreds of on-line Attorney directories. Again, limit your search to Arizona and the practice areas of criminal defense and DUI defense in the city, county, or jurisdiction in Arizona you were arrested or charged with a crime. .
• Review Sites and Forums. There is a wealth of information that can be found through internet review sites and social networks and forums. Find out type of experience others have had and their outcomes by hiring a particular attorney. A word of caution, do not post details regarding your criminal or DUI charges before or during the process of your situation while you are looking. Your comments are public and can be used against you.
• Referrals from trusted friends, family or neighbors. Be sure not to discuss your particular situation or details surrounding your charges.
• Contact the Arizona State Bar and/or the Maricopa County Bar Association to find out if they are licensed to practice criminal law in Arizona and for how long. They may also have other useful information to assist you.
• Once you have narrowed your search to a few attorneys that you feel are qualified and have the experience and credentials to defend your case, contact them for a Free Consultation.
• The consultation may be by phone or in person, whatever is agreed upon by you and the criminal defense attorney. Explain your charges, and answer any questions they have relating to your situation. The attorney will need to get information to further assist you, discuss your defense options and you’re your a rate quote for retaining their legal representation.
• Use the consultation not only to get information relating to the charges and your defense options, fill the voids of information you would like to know about that attorney to help you make your decision. This should include qualifications, knowledge, training, experience, credentials, defense at trial, and how often they defend cases in Gilbert AZ. Most criminal defense or DUI attorneys should be able to give you a rate quote by phone. Ask about fees and flexible payment plans if needed. Ask whatever you need to know to make you feel confident you are making the right decision.

Choosing the best Attorney to defend you in Gilbert AZ for your DUI or criminal charges is an extremely important decision. Your freedom and future are in jeopardy. You need to find the best defense attorney for you. A well thought out decision will increase your chances of getting your charges dropped, a not-guilty verdict, a dismissal or reduction of charges or sentencing rather than a harsh conviction.

Defense Tactics used by experienced AZ DUI Attorneys to fight your DUI breath test resultsArizona DUI Charges
If you were arrested in Arizona or received AZ DUI charges you should contact an Arizona Criminal Defense or Arizona DUI lawyer to discuss your charges and defense options. Being charged with a DUI is just the beginning of a long and traumatic process. Your best chances of getting a good outcome or even a DUI dismissal is to retain a good DUI lawyer in Arizona. They will be able to determine what defense strategies may be used in your case.